Eighth-ranked Center Grove put itself in position to avenge one of its three losses in girls soccer this season.
Trojans coach Mike Bishop understands the challenge ahead after his squad defeated Greenwood, 9-0, on Tuesday in the first round of the Class 3A sectional at Franklin.
The victory sets up Thursday’s 5 p.m. semifinal against No. 10 Columbus East. The Olympians advanced by downing Whiteland, 5-1, in Tuesday’s opening match.
Columbus East won at Center Grove, 2-0, on Sept. 22.
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“They came out fired up and it was that day where they just stuck it to you,” Bishop said of the regular-season loss to the Olympians. "We were just caught on our heels and never recovered from the effort they put in.
“It’s sectional time. It wouldn’t matter what school we’re playing, but the fact that they got us in the regular season makes it a little more sweet if we can get through that hurdle on Thursday.”
Against the Woodmen, the Trojans weren’t caught looking ahead, racing to a commanding 6-0 lead by halftime. Sophomore Macy Detty scored the final two goals after teammates Gracyn Montfort, Jostin Reeves, Lexi Glover and Ellie Edel scored one apiece, in that order.
Center Grove (15-3) added goals by Montfort, Piper Belden and Glover over the final 40 minutes.
They were the first two goals of the season for Montfort, a senior midfielder.
“We just had to make sure that we still played our game. We stayed strong and played smart,” Montfort said. “That has been hard for us because sometimes we don’t get our minds straight and we might not focus on a game as much.”
It wasn’t an issue Tuesday and shouldn’t be Thursday.
In the first match, Columbus East held a 2-0 lead at halftime against the Warriors (1-15-1), who were limited by injuries most the season. A total of nine different Whiteland players suffered a concussion at some point.
Columbus East (15-2) had two players score two goals apiece, sophomore forward Alana Dwenger and senior forward Sarah Park. Whiteland averted a shutout with 31 seconds remaining in the second half on a goal by senior Madisyn Proctor.
“Tonight, I liked that we put up a fight against a very competitive team,” second-year Warriors coach Abby Gross said. “I think we gave them more than they were expecting from us looking at our record. I’m happy they came out and still put up the effort.
“It’s just been one of those seasons. Every game it’s been something new. We just had to overcome that adversity and try our best given our circumstances.”
Franklin will play Columbus North in Thursday’s second semifinal.
